Rams Find Sustainability at QB, Offensive Line in Three-Round Mock Draft
The bulk of the Los Angeles Rams’ stars are either in the twilight of their careers – Matthew Stafford, Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp – or just getting started.
As receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams attempt to push their veteran counterparts to the promised land, it will be important to balance acquisitions that can become immediate contributors with those that set Los Angeles up well farther into the future.
It’s a challenge that general manager Les Snead must take on, though he’ll do so with a first-round pick for the first time since 2016. How did Luke Easterling’s three-round mock draft position the Rams?
Jan 30, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia of Byu (55) battles National edge Laiatu Latu of Ucla (15) during practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles’ first Day 1 selection since 2016, in this scenario, is Florida State edge rusher Jared Verse.
Verse has long been mocked in the top half of the first round, though his stock seems to have settled around No. 19, where the Rams are currently slotted.
“Verse is a well-rounded player with the polish to make an instant impact,” Easterling wrote.
Los Angeles is badly in need of a potent threat opposite edge rusher Byron Young, who played well as a rookie in 2023. Finding one, without sacrificing anything in the run game, is a welcome development.
With the 52nd pick, the Rams took BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia.
He would likely only start if tackle Alaric Jackson leaves in free agency. However, Suamataia could also play right tackle, making him a potential replacement for Rob Havenstein when the time comes.
Suamataia is explosive and a dominant front-side blocker whose power meshes well with head coach Sean McVay’s offense. There’s some mechanical cleanup to do, but the BYU product inspires optimism in his continued development.
He’s not a lock to see the immediate snaps that Verse would, but Suamataia could be an integral piece of Los Angeles’ short- and long-term futures if he falls out of the top 50.
If Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt is indeed the Rams’ third-round pick, they’ll hope he doesn’t see the field in the near future. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad pick.
Los Angeles has no clear heir to the Stafford throne, and as fans briefly saw this season, the backup quarterback position is as important as it is uncertain. There’s no guarantee Carson Wentz returns, and Pratt has a high enough floor to be an adequate backup from the jump.
He’s survivable if Stafford misses time, but is toolsy enough to be considered as a developmental starter. Pratt succeeds within structure and – while lacking Stafford’s elite arm talent – does enough when things get messy to put some stock into as a passer.
Pratt may not be the answer for the Rams, but he’s a solid option for a non-premium selection.
